Gvantsa Pipia is a Georgian journalist and the founder of Accent News Agency, an independent trilingual media platform (Georgian, English, and Russian) dedicated to conflict reporting, disinformation analysis, and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic path. Under her leadership, Accent has earned recognition for its exclusive interviews with international security officials, its commitment to fact-based journalism, and its bold coverage of Russian aggression — reporting that led to the agency being blocked by Russian authorities in 2022. In this conversation, Gvantsa discusses the state of independent media in Georgia and her own mission as a journalist.
Q: Gvantsa, you have been working in the field of journalism in Georgia for many years. How would you assess the current media environment in the country?
A: The Georgian media is facing severe challenges. We are witnessing growing political pressure, attempts to discredit independent outlets, and a rise in both verbal and physical attacks against journalists. The government is marginalizing journalists through new laws, imposing censorship, and shrinking the space for free speech.
Today, press freedom in Georgia is under serious threat. Independent journalists are targeted simply because they spread the truth and give a voice to those who are unheard. Mzia Amaglobevi is just one example — as a founder of an independent outlet, she is now imprisoned. Her case clearly reflects the broader trend: freedom of expression in Georgia is shrinking rapidly. This is no longer an isolated problem but a systemic one, highlighting how vulnerable independent journalists are under government pressure.
The deterioration of press freedom amid growing authoritarianism is extremely alarming, and if it continues, it will have a deeper impact on the quality of democracy in the region. Media freedom is not a luxury — it is the foundation of democracy. Free media brings transparency, exposes corruption and authoritarian practices, and creates mechanisms of public accountability. Therefore, the persecution of journalists and the shrinking of independent media space is not just a professional issue — it directly concerns the democratic future of the country.
Q: You are actively working against disinformation. How do you evaluate its impact in Georgia?
A: The spread of disinformation, false narratives, and misleading information is one of the major challenges of our time, undermining democratic development and the formation of democratic institutions.
In Georgia, Russian disinformation is particularly significant. Its aim is to spread anti-Western sentiment and pro-Russian narratives. This is part of the Kremlin’s hybrid war, which has been ongoing in Georgia for decades. Disinformation here is one of the core components of hybrid threats. It is directed both at polarizing society and discrediting Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic path. Russian propaganda — using both traditional and digital platforms — is especially active. Its anti-Western narratives are deeply infused with Russian propaganda.
In Georgia, Russian disinformation is mainly spread in the Georgian language by political parties, politicians, NGOs, media, far-right groups, clergy, and through fake social media pages and accounts.
The antidote to this is independent, unbiased, and objective media — outlets that do not serve narrow political interests, but rather protect society’s right to know the truth. That is exactly the kind of journalism we are striving to practice.
Q: Your agency actively covers developments in the occupied territories, and your website is trilingual (Georgian, English, Russian). Given that Russian is the main communication language there, and Accent often publishes fact-checks against Russian narratives in Abkhazia, could you explain why this work is so important?
A: Covering events in the occupied territories is not only difficult but also of strategic importance. The voices of people living there are rarely heard — they are often in an information vacuum, which makes them even more vulnerable to disinformation. That is why we decided Accent should be trilingual: in Georgian for local society, in English for the international audience, and in Russian for people living in the occupied regions, since their daily communication is mostly in Russian.
Russian propaganda is particularly active in Abkhazia. Our mission is to show local residents that alternative information exists — objective, fact-based reporting. We publish materials that directly counter the lies spread by Russian state media.
This work has important results:
- Informing people: Residents of the occupied territories receive factual news.
- Debunking disinformation: We identify Russian narratives and expose their falsity, showing readers how propaganda mechanisms work.
- International engagement: With its trilingual platform, Accent can bring issues of Georgia’s occupied regions to the global agenda.
This is not only a journalistic mission but also a matter of security: when information flows freely, the risks of manipulation and isolation are reduced.
Q: There were reports that Accent News was blocked in Russia.
A: Yes, that’s true. In a way, it was recognition that our work is effective. Russia does not like the truth. The ban only strengthened our motivation. Generally, if governments on the path to dictatorship dislike you and attempt to suppress you, it means you are doing the right thing.
Q: Is one of your sources of funding grants?
A: Yes, and unfortunately, Georgia’s new legislation is restricting access to such grants. This is one of the key aspects of the worsening media environment I mentioned earlier.
For us, it is still a great responsibility to maintain the trust shown by international donor organizations.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: We have ambitious plans, especially concerning Georgians abroad.
The diaspora is a vital resource: these people not only preserve their culture abroad but also act as a “bridge” between Georgia and the rest of the world. However, they often lack reliable information about Georgia’s political and social processes, which prevents them from meaningful participation.
That’s why Accent’s goal is to provide the diaspora with high-quality, objective information — to keep them informed and engaged in Georgia’s civic life. We also want to launch interactive projects for young people, such as discussions, online training, and lessons in resilience against disinformation.
To put it briefly: our vision is to make Accent a platform that connects Georgian society at home and abroad — an information space where truth carries more weight than propaganda.
Q: And on a personal level, what does journalism and being a media manager mean to you?
A: For me, it is more than just a profession — it is a responsibility. Journalism is a bridge between citizens and the truth. Media management means not only leading an organization but also guiding the team and safeguarding values.
My strategic responsibility is to ensure that the media remains independent, impartial, and consistent. The public interest and the mission of journalism always come above personal interests. Despite all the challenges and risks, this responsibility is what gives me the strength to continue.
By Ana Dumbadze
